About Crohn’s &
There is not one single diet or eating plan that is appropriate for everyone with IBD. Writing down when, what and how
Colitis
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative
colitis belong to a group of
conditions known as inflam-
matory bowel diseases (IBD).
These disorders cause chronic inflammation in
the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the area of the
body where digestion and absorption of nutri-
ents take place. Inflammation is the body’s re-
sponse to tissue injury. Normally, inflammation
helps protect the body from harmful germs,
damaged cells or irritants, but in IBD, the im-
mune system reacts inappropriately, leading to
inflammation. Inflammation impairs the ability
of affected GI organs to function properly. On-
going inflammation leads to symptoms such as
abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, rectal
bleeding, weight loss and fatigue.
To learn more about these diseases, view:
■ Living with Crohn’s Disease at:
online.ccfa.org/crohnsdisease
■ Living with Ulcerative Colitis at:
online.ccfa.org/ulcerativecolitis
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Glossary Daily Food Journal
Absorption: Break down of food to be added
to the blood stream and nutrients carried
much you eat can help you determine which, if any, foods affect your symptoms. Make sure to write down any unusual
symptoms you may experience after eating, and include the time they began. Remember to bring this journal with
throughout the body you to your next doctor’s visit.
Anemia: A disorder of the blood where there
is not enough red blood cells. Common causes
include iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency and
chronic inflammation and other diseases Date & Time Food Amount Symptoms & Time of Occurrence
Bile acid: Present in the digestive track, these
agents can prevent stimulation of the colon,
slow down the passage of stool and eliminate
cholesterol from the body
Celiac disease: A digestive disease. People
with this disease cannot tolerate a protein
called gluten, which is contained in wheat, rye
and barley.
Constipation: Bowel movements that are infre-
quent and hard to pass
Dehydration: Excessive loss of water from
the body
Diarrhea: Passage of excessively frequent
or excessively liquid stools
Electrolytes: Minerals, including sodium, po-
tassium and magnesium, that affect the amount
of water in the body, acidity in the blood (pH
level), muscle function and other processes.
Electrolytes are lost through sweat and must be
replaced to help prevent dehydration
Fistula: An abnormal connection or passageway
between two organs that normally do not connect
GI tract: Short for gastrointestinal tract
Ileum: The lower portion of the small intestine
Lactobacillus: A healthy lactic acid bacteria
(probiotic)